The year of new beginnings...I think not!

Is it just me or is this one of the hardest years yet? It seems to me that we are continually surrounded by challenges and obstacles! They say that 2008 is the year of 'new beginnings' and yet to me it feels like it is the year of 'difficult'. Not that this has proved unprofitable! Rather it has presented me with the opportunity to take a good look at life from every perspective - to measure it's worth and to refocus.

I have learnt that courage is critical and that we need to have courageous conversations with our shareholders, our managers, our spouses, our family, our bank (ugh) and our friends. I have seen that true leadership flows from the ability to lead in difficult as well as favourable circumstances. However, the most valuable lesson learnt this year is the value of relationships.

The most invaluable lesson thus far considers our spiritual relationship with God, He is a consistent and undeniably valuable source! I also recognise that I would be a lesser person without the significant people in my life. It has been critical for me to not strive in this season, but to rather reinforce the things that really matter - time with God and then time with those I love. Interestingly enough, this has brought the greatest return - curious!

May this note prompt you to consider your circumstances, looking at where you spend your time and energy and remind you that our lives are fleeting but our relationships are eternal.